Iraq’s president has hit back at Donald Trump for saying US troops should stay in Iraq to keep an eye on neighbouring Iran, saying the US president did not ask for Iraq’s permission to do so. Iraq’s president has hit back at Donald Trump for saying US troops should stay in Iraq to keep an eye on neighbouring Iran, saying the US president did not ask for Iraq’s permission to do so. Mr Trump’s comments added to concerns in Iraq about America’s long-term intentions, particularly after it withdraws its troops from Syria. He said the Iraqi constitution forbids the use of Iraq as a base to threaten the interests or security of neighbouring countries. The militias fought alongside US-backed Iraqi troops against IS in recent years, gaining outsized influence and power along the way.

Source: Irish Independent February 04, 2019 14:48 UTC